1998 Mercedes Benz SL Class
Only 12 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 12 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 2 |
| 1997 | 2 |
| 1998 | 12 |
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2002 | 1 |
| 2003 | 9 |
| 2004 | 3 |
| 2005 | 2 |
| 2006 | 0 |
| 2009 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 12 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 12 total reports mention: equipment.
1 of 12 total reports mentions: visibility.
1 of 12 total reports mentions: visibility.
1 of 12 total reports mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
PURCHASED NEW MICHELIN SPORT TIRES DOT GUDL 275/35 ZR 18 ON11/3/2010 AND FOUND OUT THAT THE MANUFACTURING DATE WAS 1107. THESE TIRES WERE OVER 3 YEARS OLD AND SHOULD HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD AS NEW.
NHTSA ODI report, 20101108
1 of 12 total reports mentions: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
PURCHASED 1998 MERCEDES BENZ SL 600 FROM MBZ SAN FRANCISCO DEALERSHIP ON 4/22/09. IMMEDIATELY REPORTED EXCESSIVE AND DANGEROUS BOUNCING OF FRONT END. REPORTED DEFECT DEALER TOOK NO ACTION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20090529
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 Mercedes Benz SL Class — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for equipment issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 1998 Mercedes Benz SL Class reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Mercedes Benz SL Class?
The most-reported component is equipment:electrical:radio/tape deck/cd etc., accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Mercedes Benz SL Class have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.